As expected, Ling Yuan—already nearing level 90—broke through to level 90 after absorbing the right leg bone of the 60,000-year-old Azure Wind Hawk.
She was now only one spirit ring away from advancing to Title Douluo. And she was not yet even 40 years old, younger than the so-called youngest Title Douluo on record.
The Rooster-Crest Phoenix Sunflower not only raised her spirit power level but also elevated her talent to a new level. With the support of a soul vein, her progress was as rapid as a thousand miles a day.
Qing Luan nodded to himself. Although he was somewhat displeased with Ling Yuan for competing with his little Xue for a man, he had watched Ling Yuan grow up and knew her character well.
Since Qian Renxue had accepted it, he couldn't say much either.
"Xiao Feng, why don't you stay a bit longer this time and help the elders condense their soul veins too?"
Qian Daoliu shook his head."We tried long ago. The meridians and spirit power within a Super Douluo's body aren't something Xiao Feng can easily control at his current level. His martial soul needs long-term nurturing in advance.
We old geezers aren't in a hurry. When you've had enough fun out there and Xiao Feng's strength increases, it won't be too late to condense the soul veins then."
Lin Feng nodded."It won't take long. Once I reach Spirit Sage, there'll be a big breakthrough."
"Mhm."Qian Daoliu stroked his beard, looking at Lin Feng with satisfaction.
Qing Luan glanced at Lin Feng and said calmly,"Come with me. It's time to meet the other worshippers."
After meeting the worshippers, Lin Feng was drenched in sweat.
He had thought they were all in secluded cultivation, but apparently, they had just been sulking in silence?
The six worshippers didn't even live together, so Lin Feng was hit with six Super Douluo-level death stares one after another—it really rattled him.
Especially Golden Crocodile Douluo. The pressure from a level 98 Super Douluo was not something the others could match.
He was decisive and mature, but also rather hot-tempered.
Qian Renxue had worked hard to coax him into a good mood before he let Lin Feng off the hook.
As Lin Feng was leaving, Golden Crocodile Douluo flung a soul tool at him—a belt capable of storing living beings.
Whether intentionally or not, the belt hit Lin Feng in the lower abdomen. Golden Crocodile's gaze even dropped slightly with a warning glint in his eyes.
Though the strength wasn't heavy, it still left Lin Feng uncomfortable for a while.
Before Qian Renxue could turn and glare, Golden Crocodile Douluo had already vanished.
"Grandpa Golden Crocodile is so annoying! If he wants to give a gift, just give it. Why make you suffer too? Hmph, one of these days, I'm telling Grandpa!"
Lin Feng twitched at the corner of his mouth and tugged on Qian Renxue's sleeve:"Forget it. I'm fine now thanks to the Breath of Life. Don't make them angrier. It was our fault for not visiting sooner anyway."
"Fine… but if they try to mess with you again behind my back, you better tell me. I'll go deal with them personally."
Hearing this, the worshippers hiding in the shadows exchanged looks, seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes. They quietly left.
Lin Feng fastened the belt. Its interior held about 36 cubic meters of space, and it was inlaid with 36 sapphire-like gems that glistened in the sunlight.
Qian Renxue and Ling Yuan both had a glimmer in their eyes—this was truly a case of a hero being matched with a worthy gift. The belt suited Lin Feng perfectly.
Looking at the handsome and elegant Lin Feng in front of her, a dangerous glint flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes. Once the Divine Crane sent word, she was going to devour her Xiao Feng!
Slurp!
As the three passed by the Pope's Hall, none of them noticed another pair of eyes—nearly identical to Qian Renxue's—gazing at Lin Feng from a balcony.
Bibi Dong exhaled a heavy breath, adjusting her mindset and emotions.
In a flash, she appeared before the group:"I heard from the Grand Worshipper that you're planning to join me for a soul hunt?"
Qian Renxue replied flatly:"It's just a coincidence. After all, Grandpa Chrysanthemum and Grandpa Ghost are being deployed by you."
Bibi Dong wore a gentle smile."You're welcome to join. You two might not be able to observe the battle with the 100,000-year soul beast up close, but with Qing Luan there, you'll still get to experience it from afar. It'll be a valuable learning opportunity."
Qian Renxue snorted:"Spare me your fake kindness. I already know all that. Xiao Feng, Sister Ling Yuan, let's go."
"Wait a moment."
Qian Renxue frowned:"What now?"
Bibi Dong looked at Lin Feng:"Xiao Feng, would you be interested in taking on half a disciple?"
"Half a disciple?"
Lin Feng was confused.
"My personal disciple—you've met her before: Hu Liena."
"If she's already your disciple, why would you want me to teach her too? Isn't that redundant?"
Bibi Dong shook her head."It's different. When it comes to martial soul theory, you're the most gifted person I've ever met. Nana has only recently awakened her martial soul and is still in the beginner academy.
This foundational knowledge is crucial for her right now. With your guidance, she'll grow tremendously."
Trying to make up for your lack of education back in the day by investing in Hu Liena now?
Lin Feng shook his head:"We won't be staying in Spirit Hall for long. I won't have the time to teach her."
"That's fine too. Even a few pointers when you're free would be enough—like how to choose spirit rings that best suit a martial soul's development."
Bibi Dong turned to Qian Renxue. She knew Lin Feng wouldn't agree unless Qian Renxue gave the nod.
Qian Renxue sneered:"So that's what you're up to—trying to give your student some private tutoring.
No way. If Xiao Feng's going to teach, let him go to the beginner academy and give a couple of public lessons instead. The low-level soul masters there need that knowledge more than your disciple."
After gaining real-world experience, Qian Renxue had clearly become more concerned about those at the bottom of society.
Unlike some leaders in Lin Feng's past life, who constantly backstabbed their employees, overworked them without warning, and dumped their messes on them—without a care for how it might drive someone to the edge.
As if no one ever thought: what if a resentful subordinate turned on you in secret?
Bibi Dong was momentarily stunned and looked at Qian Renxue with some surprise. She didn't say much—just nodded slightly:"Very well. You can decide the time."
Qian Renxue snorted:"Obviously. Like we'd let you decide? Let's go."
The next day, Lin Feng, Qian Renxue, and five others packed their gear and headed deep into the Star Dou Forest.
Their target: the 100,000-year Death Spider Emperor and the 90,000-year Crimson Feather Kite.
To boost their strength for the inevitable battle with the 100,000-year beast, the group planned to hunt the Crimson Feather Kite first.
A 100,000-year-old soul beast was equivalent in strength to a Title Douluo among humans—an entirely different league.
To ensure everything went smoothly, the group would first hunt down Ling Yuan's soul beast, helping her ascend to a true Title Douluo.
Bibi Dong, now clad in a new outfit, showed a rare sense of decisiveness and competence. Her attire fit her figure better, making her movements swifter and adding an air of authority and solemnity—displaying an awe-inspiring presence.
"Hey, why are you standing so close to us?"
Bibi Dong blinked."I'm not. I'm still pretty far, actually."
T/N: For twenty chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle